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Solomon vs. Lord by Paul Levine
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A good book is being released today, and I had the privilege of getting a sneak
peek. The book is Solomon vs. Lord by Paul Levine. With a red face, I
must admit that I was not familiar with Mr. Levine’s name or work. Apparently,
he wrote a series of novels based on a character named Jake Lassiter. The first
in the series was a national bestseller. He also co-creator and co-executive
producer the of CBS television series “First Monday,” and wrote extensively
for “JAG.” Though I did not know his work initially, if this book is any
indication, I may quickly become a fan.
The book begins with the main characters, attorneys Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord, in jail cells, where they are being held in contempt of court. Their heated banter quickly drew me in, making wonder where this relationship would lead. Victoria believes Steve to be an arrogant--albeit engaging--trial attorney. Steve thinks Victoria may be the best rookie he has ever seen, even if she does seem a bit rigid. When Steve figures out that Victoria has a connection with a widow being charged with her husband’s murder, he finagles it so that the two must work as a team to try and prove her innocence. In the course of trying to put together a defense, they each get pulled into the other’s private life. Steve moves quickly from arrogant trial attorney to heroic father figure as he tries to gain custody of his abused nephew. He also becomes an employer and friend to a cast of characters not of Victoria’s ilk, but interesting nonetheless. Victoria seems to be as rigid in her personal life as she is in the courtroom. She is engaged to a man who comes from family money and would like nothing better than for her to come to work for his family’s business. As things progress, Victoria is forced to examine her own path in life and whether she might benefit from loosening up both inside the courtroom and out. This book was entertaining, engaging, touching, and funny. What more could you want in a novel?! Review by Missy Abbott, September 27, 2005
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